Men's Basketball Comes From Behind Against Scranton

WASHINGTON-- The CUA men's basketball team trailed by as many as
seven for much of the first half, before the Cardinals rallied back
and then defended their lead, winning 64-59.

Jason Banzhaf (Livingston, N.J./Seton Hall Prep) scored a
team-high 22 points, and grabbed eight rebounds, but the Cardinals
would have to look further to find a way to win. Evin
Yarbrough (Burke, Va./Lake Braddock), Spencer Reed (Haddonfield,
N.J./Haddonfield Memorial), and R.J. Dixon (Charlotte, N.C./Cannon
School) stepped up when Banzhaf grabbed his fourth foul with 15:09
remaining in the second half.

CUA had a 10 point lead at the time, but saw that lead slowly
recede and eventually turn into a defecit over the next five
minutes. Everyone attending the game knew that the game was
no longer a runaway but was going to turn into an intense battle.

The excellent coaching of Steve Howes kept the hosts close until
finally taking the final lead with only 45 seconds remaining,
60-59. Regularly changing players and working in Banzhaf in
short bursts kept Scranton on their heels and the hosts in
control. In the final 45 seconds of the game CUA extended its
lead to five by converting four of six free throws.

CUA outscored Scranton 13-4 on second chance points and grabbed
19 points from the bench. The Cardinals also out rebounded
their opponents 37-27 including 14 offensive boards.

CUA will return to action Saturday, January 24, 2009 on the road
as the Cardinals will travel to Susquehanna. Tipoff is set
for 7:30 p.m.